We have an exciting and challenging vacancy for a Junior Social Scientist to join our scientific team working on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in Mwanza, Tanzania.

Applicants will have a postgraduate qualification in either sociology, anthropology or another relevant field. The appointment will commence immediately, and by October 1, 2016 at the latest, for a period of up to two years (subject to satisfactory performance). The duration may be extended depending on the availability of funds. The appointment will be made on the MITU salary scale for scientists, subject to qualifications and experience.

The primary purpose of the post will be to develop capacity for qualitative research on WASH related behaviours within MITU and the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) Mwanza. The post-holder will receive on-the-job training by an experienced social scientists from collaborating institutions; and will contribute to formative research working in primary schools and communities in Kagera Region, Tanzania. The information generated will inform the design of an intervention package which will be piloted and subsequently tested in a randomised controlled trial (RCT).Subsequently the post holder will conduct further qualitative research during the implementation and evaluation phases of the trial.

This post is ideal for a junior social scientist who at the beginning of their career.

FURTHER INFORMATION

1. THE MWANZA INTERVENTION TRIALS UNIT (MITU)

The post holder will be part of a collaborative team conducting WASH related research. The work will be conducted by MITU, a research unit that is situated at NIMR Mwanza Centre. MITU is a research collaboration of NIMR and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM). MITU has long-standing research experience with a focus on the development and evaluation of health interventions with respect to infectious and non-communicable diseases. The post-holder will be based in Mwanza but repeatedly spend time in the field, and may temporarily be based in Kagera region where this project will be implemented.

More information about MITU is available on its web site at www.mitu.or.tz

2. MAIN DUTIES

Specific responsibilities will be to:

During the formative research phase of the project:
1.Work with a senior social scientist to design the formative research
2.Contribute to the implementation of this research in 3 schools and communities in Kagera
3.Interact with school authorities in Kagera in preparation of the work
4.Obtain informed consent/assent from study participants (students, school staff and parents)
5.Conduct focus group discussion, semi-structured and in-depth interviews
6.Prepare notes, and transcribe and translate information collected through tape-recorders
7.Provide input into the development of education/information materials for study participants
8.Contribute to the introduction of WASH interventions at the pilot stage

During the implementation of the main trial:
1.Contribute to the introduction of WASH interventions
2.Assist in monitoring intervention implementation
3.Conduct qualitative research during and after the trial to assist in trial outcome interpretation
4.Prepare notes, and transcribe and translate information collected through tape-recorders

In general
1.Support the Study Coordinator during the trial to ensure coordination of the overall project
2.Assist the Study Coordinator to manage project funds required for the qualitative research
3.Supervise a small group of qualitative research field workers during data collection
4.Assist with data processing, analysis and write-up for reports and publications
5.Collaborate with MITU staff and staff from MITU partner organisations.
6.Undertake other tasks as may reasonably be expected by MITU staff.
7.Promote MITU and play a positive role in its day-to-day operations and strategic goals
8.Play an active part in promoting the scientific life at the NIMR Mwanza campus.

Line management:
During the formative research phase (to be conducted in 2016) the post-holder will report technically to the Senior Anthropologist (Dr Robert Dreibelbis). With respect to line management he/she will report to the Study Coordinator (Dr Kenneth Makata) and the Principal Investigator of the Kagera study (Dr Safari Kinung’hi). During the formative research phase he/she will work closely with Ms Sarah Rockowitz (Johns Hopkins University, School of Public Health).
During the main trial (to be conducted in 2017), the post holder will report to the Study Coordinator (Dr Kenneth Makata) and the Principal Investigator of the Kagera study (Dr Safari Kinung’hi).

3.PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential and desirable qualifications and skills for this post are as follows.

Essential

•A postgraduate qualification in sociology, anthropology or anther social science discipline
•Some experience of conducting qualitative behavioural research in Tanzania
•Commitment to working as part of a multidisciplinary research team
•Commitment to working in a multicultural environment
•Willingness to work at primary schools and communities in Kagera region for extended periods of time (2 weeks to 2 months), and to be temporarily based in the Kagera project area if required
•Demonstrable ability to work to strict deadlines without close supervision and direct own work in an efficient and productive manner
•Excellent written and oral communication skills in Kiswahili
•Good written and oral communication skills in English

Desirable

•Experience in WASH related research
•Familiarity with the development and evaluation of behavioural interventions
•Demonstrable ability in analysing and writing-up qualitative data
•Managerial and organisational skills

Mode of application (email to Recruitment@mitu.or.tz )

•Letter of application with details of how you meet the essential and desirable criteria and your reasons for wanting to join MITU
•Please include a daytime mobile telephone number and e-mail contact details
•Curriculum vitae (CV) including names and addresses of two referees (one must be from your most recent employer or training institution).
•Copies of all relevant certificates and qualifications.

Closing date for applications

•Applications received later than 2nd September 2016 will not be considered
•You will be informed by email if you are selected for interview
•Interviews will be held during the week of 5th September 2016 at the NIMR Mwanza Centre, Isamilo, Mwanza and may be conducted by telephone if necessary.